Many of you may remember that last year we asked you to complete a survey. Your responses were very useful in the school’s continuing journey of improvement. The survey process was so helpful that we have decided to make it an annual event.

This year, we are sending you several links. The first link will take you to the broad general set of questions about the school as a whole. We ask that everyone complete those questions, no matter where in the school your child or children are. Then we ask that you follow the link for the section of the school your children attend and answer those questions. If you have more than one child in a section, please go through the questions for each child. We realize this is a somewhat cumbersome process, and are grateful for your patience!

So we are asking that each of you take at least two surveys before May 5. The opinions and experiences you share are extremely helpful, whether positive or of concern. Please be as honest as you can. A note about confidentiality: Please feel free to respond anonymously. The survey results seen by the administration will be compiled without attached email addresses.

Many thanks for all your energy, time, commitment, and other contributions to our school. We couldn’t be here without you.

Sincerely,

Kevin Hughes, Dean of School

For the Governing Team

Katie Hynes

For the Board of Trustees

Maypole Dancing

Maypole Dancing that was originally scheduled for May 1 has been moved to the rain date, May 2 at 10:00 am due to forecasted showers. We hope to see you there!

May Faire

The Maypole is up at Kimberton Waldorf School! The May Faire is an annual celebration of spring, and is a "don't-miss" festival for families with children of all ages. Our community-wide celebration offers many fun events, including Maypole dancing, a puppet show, face painting, hobby horse obstacle course, creating May crowns, the cake walk, perennial plant sale, and a play space for parents and small children. Meet the “Pocket Lady” and pick a small treasure from one of her many pockets! The day ends with the traditional boat race (Kimberton Armada) that sets sail on the French Creek; toy wooden boats will be available for purchase. Admission is free, with delicious food and crafts available for purchase. All are welcome!

Seven Stars Shop

The Seven Stars Shop will be open on Friday, May 2 during Maypole Dancing from 10:00 to 11:30 am, and again at our May Faire celebration on Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. We will be having a book clearance on Saturday as well. We will also be open for our regular hours. We have beautiful gifts for Mother's Day and many things perfect for your spring nature table. Stop by and see us!

A message from Heather Hurlock, kindergarten parent:

Every day when my daughter comes home from school and I see her smiling, excited face (usually dotted with mud from all the time spent playing outside), I am grateful that we’re part of the Kimberton Waldorf School community. Since my daughter's very first days at Rosebud Garden, under the gentle, grounded guidance of Chinyelu Kunz, Kimberton has shaped who I am as a parent. From simple things like learning how to dress a child properly for the weather, to learning the perfect answer to numerous daily questions (“I wonder…?”), I have given thanks for being here. I look at the Community Spirit Fund as an opportunity to raise my hand and be counted among the people who have gained something valuable from Kimberton Waldorf School. If every single family donates whatever amount that they are able---five dollars even---we send a powerful message out into the world that says: we are a community of families who believe in this school and its potential. If you haven't yet given or pledged, please click here to make your donation. Thank you so much.

Community Spirit Fund

Below are the standings for the Community Spirit Fund parent challenge. While many classes have made great strides since last week, the senior class has reached 100% participation and has won the challenge! Twelfth grade parents, you will receive your honey bears soon. Congratulations! Everyone else, take heart—we have decided to keep the contest running to see how the rest of the classes fare. Additionally, if we reach 100% parent participation overall, we will do something special (feel free to send suggestions to the Development Office). Gifts can be made online or you can email the Development Office to let them know how much you plan to give (payments are due June 30).

12th Grade Families 100%

Rosebud Garden Families 93%

Kindergarten Families 88%

1st Grade Families 79%

10th Grade Families 78%

6th Grade Families 76%

11th Grade Families 74%

2nd Grade Families 73%

5th Grade Families 70%

4th Grade Families 59%

8th Grade Families 58%

9th Grade Families 56%

7th Grade Families 53%

3rd Grade Families 50%

Senior Project Concert

Over the past year, Maggie Hite has been putting together a band for her senior project. The band will be putting on a concert at 7:00 pm on May 10 in the Gymnasium, which is free and open to the public. They will, however, be taking donations towards the Neely Fund to support a fellow student who was in a terrible skiing accident. The content is appropriate for all ages and we hope to see a lot of you there!

Senior Play

The 12th Grade proudly presents Anton Chekhov's Three Sisters for three performances: Thursday May 15, Friday May 16, and Saturday May 17. All performances begin at 7:30 pm in the Lower School Theater. "I think man ought to have faith or ought to seek a faith, or else his life is empty, empty. . .To live and not to understand why cranes fly; why children are born; why there are stars in the sky. . . You've got to know what you're living for or else it's all nonsense and waste.” - Chekhov (Act 2)

Plant Sale

Plants organically grown by KWS students will be available for purchase in the school garden on Friday, May 2 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and Saturday, May 3 at the May Faire. They include tomatoes, peppers, herbs and flowers. Proceeds will benefit the school garden.

2014 Summer Camp

Kimberton Waldorf School offers a summer camp for children entering grades K-7, as well as an early childhood camp for children ages 18 months to 4 years old. Our 2014 summer camps run from June 16 through August 15, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Our early childhood camp offers a half-day option (in addition to full-day) from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. You may sign up for as many weeks as you wish. Extended care is available for all age groups at an additional cost. Please click here for more details and to register.

Referral Program

You, our parents, are our best advertisers and advocates. To show our appreciation for recommending our school to your friends and family, we have a wonderful referral program. This is our way of thanking you for spreading the word about Kimberton Waldorf School and welcoming new families into our program. How it works: Talk to people about Kimberton Waldorf School. If you refer a brand new (to KWS) family and they enroll a student, you will earn a $500 credit toward your tuition. In order for you to receive the credit, you must tell Lael Rasch the name of the family you have referred within one week of their first contact with the school.

Kimberton Waldorf School is dedicated to nurturing the developing child in accordance with the educational principles of Rudolf Steiner. The school supports the unfolding individuality of each child by awakening the child's capacity to meet the world, others, and the self with warmth of heart, clarity of thought, and strength of purpose. It is also our mission to build a diverse community where the spiritual in each human being is recognized and to create social forms that ennoble human striving.